The knee guardian of the Liver channel. Xiguan (LR-7) is a local point with a focused mission: freeing the knee from Wind, Cold and Dampness, and restoring easy movement when the joint has become stiff, swollen or painful.
Contraindications
Xiguan (LR-7) is a safe local point. Use standard clean needle technique and observe the recommended depth.
Name & story
The name 膝关 Xiguan means simply "Knee Gate" — xi (膝) is knee, guan (关) is a gate or pass. A gate controls what comes through: it can open to allow free movement, or close when something blocks the way. This point sits right at the knee, and its job is to open that gate again when Wind, Cold or Dampness have locked it shut, leaving the joint stiff and reluctant to bend.
Point family & character
Xiguan (LR-7) belongs to the Liver Meridian (LR). It is a local point of the knee region on the Liver channel.
Five-element dynamics
The Liver belongs to the Wood element, and Wood governs the sinews and tendons throughout the body — the very tissues that make movement smooth and flexible. When pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold or Dampness invade the knee, the sinews tighten, the joint stiffens, and the gate closes. Xiguan (LR-7), sitting on the Liver channel right at the knee, draws on the Wood element's relationship with the tendons to dispel these obstructions and restore the free flow that Wood requires.
Location
The point is found on the medial (inner) side of the lower leg, just below and behind the knee joint. It sits 1 Cun below Ququan (LR-8), in a depression at the posterior border of the medial condyle of the tibia, on the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly.
Safe depth
1–1.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa is particularly well suited here, especially when the pain is of a Cold or Damp-Cold nature — warmth directly counters the pathogenic factors that have lodged in the joint. A moxa stick held over the point for several minutes, or warming needle technique, can significantly enhance the effect.
Functions
Dispels Wind, Cold and Dampness from the knee; Benefits the knee joint and surrounding sinews; Promotes the smooth flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) through the local area.
Indications
Knee pain and swelling; difficulty bending and straightening the knee; stiffness of the knee joint; painful obstruction (Bi syndrome) of the knee from Wind, Cold or Dampness; weakness or soreness in the medial aspect of the knee; throat pain (pharyngitis).
Point combinations
With LR-8 (Ququan), its immediate neighbour above, to address knee pain and disorders of the medial aspect of the joint through the Liver channel. With local and adjacent points such as SP-9 (Yinlingquan) and SP-10 (Xuehai) to move Blood (Xue), resolve Dampness and reduce swelling in the knee.
Clinical spotlight
Xiguan (LR-7) is a dedicated local point — its strength is its specificity. While many Liver channel points work broadly on the whole body's sinews, Qi and emotions, this one focuses its attention entirely on the knee. It is most valued in painful obstruction (Bi syndrome) patterns where Cold and Dampness have settled into the joint, causing a deep, aching stiffness that worsens in cold or damp weather. Combined with Moxa, it becomes a practical tool for chronic, cold-type knee conditions.
The golden tip
For cold, achy or stiff knees, find Xiguan (LR-7) on the inner side of the leg, just below and slightly behind the knee joint — about 1 Cun below the crease on the medial side. Gentle massage or acupressure in a circular motion for 1–2 minutes can help ease stiffness. A warm compress or heat pack over the area is especially soothing when the pain feels worse in cold, damp weather. Keep the knee warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.